Watford vs West Ham: Injury Updates and Team News
Watford and West Ham prepare for their Championship clash with key injury updates and lineup changes.
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Injury Updates
Watford have received a boost ahead of their home match against West Ham United on Saturday, with right-back Omar Traore available for selection, according to Hayters. Traore was replaced by Albert Eames during the 1-1 draw at Wrexham last weekend.
However, the Hornets remain without five players due to injuries. Marc Bola is sidelined with a hamstring problem, Kwadwo Baah is recovering from a thigh injury, Jeremy Ngakia has a hamstring issue, Jack Grieves is recovering from a knee problem, and Travis Akomeah is out with a foot injury. Akomeah is expected to return to on-pitch training next week.
West Ham United, as reported by Mad About EPL, are also dealing with injuries. Tomas Soucek is out, and Pablo Felipe is doubtful after missing the last two games. Keiber Lamadrid, who returned to the bench last weekend, started in the 4-1 win over Southampton in the EFL Cup and played 60 minutes.
Team News
For Watford, manager Alessio Dionisi has a strong chance to make history. Watford have won four points in the Championship this season, and Dionisi could become the first Hornets manager to win as many as seven points from his first three league matches since Rob Edwards in 2022-23 (7 points). Watford have had seven permanent managers between the two.
West Ham United, on the other hand, are under pressure after a winless start to their Championship campaign. They drew 2-2 at Burnley and lost 2-1 at home to Charlton Athletic. The Hammers have just one point from their first two games, and manager Nuno Espirito Santo is eager for a turnaround. They secured a 4-1 win over Southampton in the EFL Cup, which could boost their morale.
Mad About EPL suggests that Mads Hermansen will start in goal for West Ham, replacing Finlay Herrick. Changes are also expected in defense, with Kyle Walker-Peters and Konstantinos Mavropanos potentially replacing Joel Veltman and Airidas Golambeckis. Mavropanos faces a late fitness test, and Veltman is on standby if the Greek doesn’t recover in time.
Historical Context
The historical context of the match is significant. According to BBC Sport, it is 46 years since West Ham United last failed to win any of their opening three games of a Championship season. Watford are unbeaten from their first two games with four points from a win over Southampton and a draw at Wrexham.
Watford have struggled in recent home league games against West Ham United, winning just two of their past 17 matches (D4 L11). Those two victories are the only times they have scored more than one goal in a game during that run. West Ham United have won each of their past five league games against Watford, scoring 3+ goals in four of those matches.
West Ham United's Joel Piroe has been in excellent form, scoring five goals in his past four Championship appearances and four goals in his past four league starts against Watford. This could be a crucial factor in the match.